By looking at Log Cabins in America: The Finnish Experience, students consider how simple, functional cabins, like those built by the Finns in Idaho, became symbols in American politics and folklore. Those interested in learning more will find that the Internet offers a variety of interesting materials.

Log On and Learn: Discover Presidential Log CabinsDiscover Presidential Log Cabins explores why and how three Presidential Log Cabin sites are being preserved and restored at the following National Parks: Valley Forge National Historical Park in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; Petersburg National Battlefield in Hopewell, Virginia; and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Medora, North Dakota. Learn about the four U.S. Presidents who experienced defining moments at these historic sties, and how their actions still affect our nation today.

The Institute of MigrationInstitute of
Migration was founded in 1974 to promote the collection, storage,
and documentation of research material relating to international and
internal migration. Included on the site is a detailed article documenting
everyday life on Finnish American homesteads and statistics
regarding the Finnish population in the United States.

Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record (HABS/HAER)
The HABS/HAER collections document achievements in architecture, engineering, and design in the United States through a comprehensive range of building types and engineering technologies. Search the collection for documentation on numerous "log cabins" throughout the United States. Drawings and photographs, as well as historical data are provided.

Library of Congress: American Memory Collection
For a wealth of primary resources on log cabins, search the American Memory Collection. Included in the many resources are homesteader life histories written for the Works Progress Administration, sheet music about log cabins, numerous photographs, homesteader legislation, and much more.

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
The Archives has placed on its web site a number of items about Western Expansion, including copies of the original Homestead Act and original maps of western areas that were being settled. To find them, visit the NARA Search Engine and enter "Homestead Act."

Presidential History
For more information regarding the candidates involved in the "log cabin politics" of the 1839 campaign for presidency, visit the White House website. Included are biographies for President Van Buren, President Harrison, and President Lincoln who was also associated with "log cabin virtues."